Lissa

This is my first experience reading David Bezmogis, but it won't be my last. This was an exceptional novel, extremely well-written, superb narration and fascinating story-line. This book provided insight into the mindset of Russian emigres that I found quite interesting, to say the least.

I loved this book! It was raunchy, outrageous and oh so funny. I found myself literally laughing out loud when listening to this book. I have never read anything by the author but had heard about this book and was interested in reading about a Jewish family sitting shiva for their father. The characters are well-developed and each are interesting in their own way. While some of the situations they get themselves into seem ludicrous, the author makes it seem like just another day in the life of the family. Maybe it was a cultural resonance that made me like this book so much, so many references I could relate to, but I found this book made me cry and laugh and actually think about some of the issues raised. Quite an accomplishment!

This beautiful and sad book provided me with an insight into the Biafran/Nigeran war that I was previously ignorant of. The narrator is wonderful - I have listened to many books by her and she is consistantly excellant.

The characters are developed slowly but gradually you gain an insight into their personalities and emotions. The descriptions of the war are heart rendering. I became very attached to the main characters and actually cried at the end of the book.

Highly recommended

I was astonished and so pleasantly surprised by this book. Although it is more than 150 years old it is just as relevant as any thriller written now. Actually I would say much better. The characters are developed superbly, the psychological insights into the characters and their motives are right on target and the story itself is so original.

I could not stop listening to this book and being amazed anew at each chapter at the brilliance of the story. The narration, told by a man and woman, are also very well done.

Highly recommended!

I was disappointed by this book. It certainly did not live up to his previous books. The main characters were not very interesting and although they went through some harrowing experiences it seemed distant and not very emotionally involving.

The story within the story was very interesting though and I thoroughly enjoyed learning about the history of that period and especially women's roles in the early 20th century.

I didn't particularly care for the narrator. He seemed old and it didn't fit with the character he was narrating.

It still was a riveting listen that kept me interested through many long hours of cooking and housework!

Yes I would. Tana French's books combine mystery, psychological insights, great character development and writing.

The characters and their interactions with each other. Also their own insights into their behavior and motives.

The family scenes with Frank and his family were always intense.

You can't always go home

I don't know but the narrator is excellant.

I liked the main character's secretary. She seemed so realistic and doomed.

Yes I have and as always he is excellent.

The end - when the narrator knew what was awaiting him.

This short audio book was geared for young listeners but I thoroughly enjoyed it as I am quite ignorant when it comes to classical music. I was provided with a short concise history and overview of five main composers. I listen now with a more practiced ear!

As a long time fan of Michael Chabon and his wife Ayelet Waldman, I felt some trepidation reading his memoir. But my hestitation soon evaporated as I entered into his funny and insightful memories and thoughts.
Mr. Chabon narrates his own story giving it more depth and feeling. He is a funny smart and modest man living a full life as a father, husband and writer.
His insights are worth listening to and this audio book was a pleasure to listen to.

I listened to this because my mother recommended it and I have a new-found interest in plants, food and our connection to them. So I thought I would learn something new. There were parts that were quite interesting, mostly the section on marijuana, and others that were disconnected and boring.
I never really knew where the author was going with his essays and when I was done listening I still didn't know. He rambled on and often I lost interest and just tuned out.
I have not yet read his other popular books but I don't think I will in the future.

I began listening to this audiobook with trepidation, thinking it was going to be a yuppie rant against eating meat. But to my surprise it was an intelligent humorous view on the "meat industry" and also the cultural connections we have with eating. I admit I walked around nauseas from listening to descriptions of factory farming and since then I haven't been able to eat meat or fish. I began to actually think about what I was eating and how it got onto my plate.
I have read this author's other work and liked them well enough. Being Jewish I could relate to his references to his grandmother, family and food. I laughed out loud in several places.
This book is not for the faint hearted but it will open your eyes to the reality of factory farming and what we put into our bodies.